'Wish I Had a Paid PR Agency' - Varun Chakaravarthy shares cryptic post after being omitted for Zimbabwe T20Is

Indian spinner Varun Chakaravarthy recently found himself in a perplexing situation after being absent from the 15-member squad announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. Despite his stellar performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Chakaravarthy was not included and has now responded to the Indian selectors. 

Chakaravarthy, a crucial player in Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL 2024 victory, finished the season as the second-highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets in 15 matches, just behind Harshal Patel. Despite this impressive showing, the 32-year-old spinner was overlooked for the Zimbabwe tour, leading to his cryptic social media posts.

The first of Chakaravarthy's Instagram stories read, "I wish I had a paid PR agency!". In a follow-up story, Chakaravarthy shared the well-known Serenity Prayer, suggesting a struggle to come to terms with the situation. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."

Also read: BCCI announces 15-member squad, Shubman Gill announced as captain

Shubman Gill to lead India against Zimbabwe

The BCCI's decision to exclude Chakaravarthy is particularly striking given the inclusion of five players receiving their maiden call-ups, many of whom also impressed in IPL 2024. This contrast has sparked debates about the criteria for national team selection and the weight given to IPL performances.

Chakaravarthy's international career has been a rollercoaster ride. He made his India debut in July 2021 against Sri Lanka and was even selected for the T20 World Cup later that year. However, after a disappointing performance in the tournament, he was dropped from the squad and hasn't represented India since.

Shubman Gill is set to make his captaincy debut for the national team, with most of the senior players being rested for the series. The Zimbabwe tour consists of five T20 Internationals, starting from July 6. Also featuring in the 15-member squad are Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who were on the bench during the T20 World Cup. Ravi Bishnoi is the only specialist spinner in the squad.

Also read: Riyan Parag reacts after maiden India call-up for Zimbabwe tour

India’s squad for T20I series against Zimbabwe: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Riyan Parag, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, Tushar Deshpande.